Gas burner system with automatic



w. A. RAY 2,558,267

June 26, 1951 GAS BURNER SYSTEM wrm AUTOMATIC PILOT'BURNER CONTROL sSheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 26, 1948 I INVEN TOR.

I QTTOENE? W. A. RAY

June 26, 1951 GAS BURNER SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC PILOT BURNER CONTROLFiled May 26, 1948 5 SheetsSheet 2 em; INVENTOR.

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'5 5m I I $111,111,

June 26, 1951 w. A. RAY GAS BURNER SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC PILOT BURNERCONTROL Filed May 26, 1948 v JNVEN TOR.

Z amu June 26, 1951 w. A. RAY 2,558,267

GAS BURNER SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC PILOT' BURNER CONTROL Filed May 26,1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IGI fine |4| "o 5 2 '42 ,1 j V "28 o \25 via-ll.as D I45 151 a nos 155 ,1- use &4 726 aim/4M 4. 2.4V,

I254 40 INVENTOR. I 5 I58 '59 i l55\ y I09 i n RTTOENEV Patented June26, 1951 GAS BURNER SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC PILOT BURNER CONTROL WilliamA. Ray, North Hollywood, Calif assignor to General fornia Controls 00.,

a corporation of Cali- Application May 26, 1948, Serial No. 29,233 22Claims. (01. l58117.1)

This invention relates to gas burner systems, and particularly of thetype utilizing a pilot burner and safety devices ensuring againstoperation of the burner in the event the pilot flame is I extinguished.

This application is a continuation in part of application Serial No.566,662, filed December 5, 1944, for Burner Control System," now PatentNo. 2,456,147, patented December 14, 1948. Systems of this characteroften employ a thermocouple or thermopile that are operative to generateelectrical power in response to the heat of the pilot flame. Thisrelatively minute power is then utilized, as by the aid of relays, orthe like, to permit passage of gas to the burner. When the pilot flameis extinguished, the supply of gas to the system is interrupted; and thepilot flame must again be ignited before any gas can flow.

It is one of the objects of this invention to improve, in general,systems of this character.

Burners are commonly used for space heating, such as in homes orauditoriums. The use of the heating equipment is seasonal, and the system is inactive for a considerable period at a time. During theseinactive periods the pilot burner flame is extinguished, and no gas isconsumed.

It is another object of this invention to facilitate the initiation ofthe operation after a shutdown, as by a single act, which causes anigniter to be effective until the pilot flame is established.

It is essential that the main burner be prevented from operating untilthe pilot flame is in existence for a short time. Accordingly, it isstill another object of this invention to provide a simple and effectivesystem that ensures against opening of the valve for the main burneruntil after the period of ignition has been completed.

Upon establishment of operating conditions, the igniter is renderedinactive, the pilot flame established and, when more heat is required,(for example, as determined by a thermostat switch), the main burnervalve is opened. Thus, the thermostat may cause the main burner to burnor to be burned oil", as required.

Now, in the event of pilot flame failure, the system being shut down,the re-establishment of operation may be attempted immediately thereafter. However, it is very important to ensure that there be a timedelay before the igniter is operated, for otherwise serious explosionsmay occur. It is still another object of this invention to insure thatthe igniter cannot be energized until a short period has elapsed afterthe main burner valve is closed.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objectswhich may be made more clearly apparent from a consideration of severalforms in which it may be embodied. Such forms are shown in the drawingsaccompanying and forming part of the present specification. These formswill now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles ofthe invention; but it is to be understood that such detailed descriptionis not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the inventionis best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a system incorporating theinvention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of an apparatus employed in the system shownin Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a view taken along a plane corresponding to line 4-4 of Fig.3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view of a portion of the apparatusillustrated in Fig. 2, and showing an alternate position of some of theparts;

Fig. 6 is a view, similar to Fig. 2, on a reduced scale, illustratingthe running or operating condition of the system;

Fig. 7 is a diagram of a modified form of the system illustrated inFigs. 1 to 6 inclusive;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the apparatus incorporated in the systemof Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged sectional view, taken along a plane correspondingto line 99 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a side view, partly broken away, of the apparatus illustratedin Figs. 8 and 9;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary enlarged sectional view similar to Fig. 9, butillustrating an alternate position of the apparatus; and

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 8, showing the position of theapparatus when the system is in operation.

In the form shown in Figs. 1 to 6, a main burner I is shown adapted tobe placed in operation by the flame 2 of the pilot burner 3. An electricspark igniter 4 is arranged to light the pilot burner to start thesystem in operation after a prolonged period of inactivity, as, forexample, during the warmer months of the year, or after accidentalfailure of the pilot flame 2.

A source of gaseous fuel supply is connected to the conduit 5. Onebranch 6 of this conduit passes through an electromagnetically operatedvalve I to the main burner l. The branch conduit 8 leads to a burnercontrol apparatus 3, shown in detail in Figs. 2 to 5 inclusive. Anoutlet conduit i leads to the pilot burner 3.

The control apparatus 9 includes a main body H which may be in the formof a casting, and which has a number of gaseous fuel passageways.

During the seasonal inactive period of the system, fuel'to the pilotburner 3 is entirely shut off. This inactive position of the apparatusis illustrated in Fig. 2. Thus, conduit 8 leads into a passageway l2 inthe body H. This passageway connects to a short upright extension 13.Another passageway ll, parallel with and above passageway I2, is shownextending to the right to pass gaseous fuel to the conduit It.

In the inactive position, however, the passage of fuel through conduitsl2, l3, and I4 is prevented by a valve closure l5. This valve closure isshown as resting on an annular valve seat l6 surrounding the port 11,which leads to the passage M. The passage 13 leads to the space 18surrounding the seat l5. This space is defined by a thin, metallicsealing diaphragm is which overlies the open upper end of the space l8.It is held in sealing position by aid of the flange 2%! of a housing 2!.Disposed over this flange is the clamping ring 22 through which one ormore screws 23 extend into the top of the body ll (see Fig. 3).

The closure member 15 is in the form of a disc made of magnetic materialwhich is urged to seated position by the aid of a light compressionspring 24. This compression spring is disposed in a recess 25 in theclosure l5. Disc 45 may be provided with a number of through aperturesfor ready passage of fuel tothe top of the disc 5 for providing afurther force to hold the disc seated.

Electromagnetic means are used to lift the armature or disc to the openposition indicated in Fig. 6. For this purpose a coil 26 is utilized,extending over a core 21. The lower end of this core 21 has an enlargedpole piece 23, which has a circular polar area immediately above the diaphragm i9 and disposed centrally of the axis of the disc IS. The lift ofthe armature l5 is quite small. A relatively minute electric power canlift the valve closure to pass fuel to the pilot burner 3. This iseffected by making the polar area very much greater than the crosssectional area of core 21. In order to complete the magnetic circuit,the core 21 is joined to a magnetic member 28 attached to the top of thecore 21 and held in place by a clamp 29 in the housing 2!. This 5housing II is also made of magnetic material in order to form aniron-clad electromagnet.

The electric energy to operate the valve closure I5 is supplied in thisinstance by the aid of thermocouple 30, having its hot junction in thepilot flame 2. Thus, the electromagnetic operator for the armature I5 ismade responsive to the existence of a pilot flame. When the pilot flameis extinguished, as in the position of Fig. 1, the armature l5interrupts the flow of fuel to the pilot burner.

In initiating the operation of the system from the quiescent or inactivestage illustrated in Fig. 1, it is necessary to provide a by-pass forthe passageways l3 and M. This by-pass is partly formed by thepassageway l2. This pasageway l2 connects to an upright passageway 3|which intersects the passage I4. The lower end of this passage connectsto a tapered seat 32 in which a ball closure 33 is seated. This ballclosure 33 is normally held in closed position by a compression spring34. The lower end of the compression spring abuts the bottom of a recess36 of a hollow screw 31 threaded into the lower portion of the body ii.

When it is desired to ignite the pilot burner 3 the ball 33 is urgeddownwardly against the force of spring 36 by a stem or strut 38 ofsquare cross section which extends through the passage 3i. This stem orstrut is disposed between the ball 33 and another ball 39 that isadapted to cooperate with a tapered seat 43 at the upper end of thepasageway 3!.

In order to urge the ball 33 downwardly to the position illlustrated inFig. 5, use is made of an electromagnetic device mounted on the top ofthe body II. This electromagnet includes a coil 4| placed somewhat backof the housing M, as shown most clearly in Fig. 3. This coil M has acore 42 which is supported upon the lower leg of bracket 43. Thisbracket, in turn, is fastened as by the screws 45 to the top of the bodyN. This bracket is made of magnetic material and has an upright leg 45.This upright leg provides a support for the tilting armature 46. Thisarmature $8 is urged to the upward position illustrated in Fig. 4 by theaid of a compression spring 41 surrounding a post 68. This post 48 isattached to the leg 45. The substantially horizontal portion 48' of thearmature 4B is adapted to be attracted by the core 42 to assume thedot-anddash position of Fig. 4 when the coil 4! is energized.

The armature 46 carries an actuator arm l9 that cooperates with andcontacts the upper end of a stem 50. When the electromagnet isenergized, the stem 50 is urged downwardly to cause unseating of theball 43.

To guide the stem 50 use is made of a standard 5| fastened to the top ofthe body H. Its lower enlarged end 52 rests on a flexible sealingdiaphragm 53 extending between the standard 5! and'the upright surfaceof a boss 54 surrounding the opening 55 leading to the passage 3i.Carried by the lower surface of diaphragm 53 is a strut member that hasa tapered seat at its bottom engaging the ball 39. This strut member 60is appropriately guided in the passage 55.

When the electromagnetic coil 4! is energized, the stem 56 is urgeddownwardly, as shown in Fig. 5, and the ball 33 is unseated. Fuel canthen flow directly to the pilot burner through passages l2 and 3i,passage I4, and conduit ill, to the burner 3.

In the form illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, energizetion of theelectromagnet coil 4! is obtained by a remote control push button. Thisremote control may include a push button switch 6|. This push button maybe kept manually depressed until the system is in the active operatingposition of Fig. 6.

Power for operating the electromagnet it may be derived from atransformer 33 having a primary coil 64 that may be connected to anappropriate commercial source.

This transformer 63 is a step-down transformer having a secondary coilor winding 52.

The circuit for energizing the coil ll may now be traced as follows:from the secondary coil 62. push button il, connection 65, connection63, coil 4|, and connection 61 to the lower terminal of winding 62.

Energization of this circuit simultaneously causes energization of theigniter 4. This igniter 4 is supplied through a transformer 68. Thistransformer has a secondary winding 88 for energizing the igniter 4, anda primary coil 18, the circuit of which is established only uponenergization of the coil 4| and only when a pair of contacts 1| and 12are in engagement. The manner of operating these contacts will bedescribed hereinafter. It is suflicient for the present to note that,when the system is in the inactive position of Fig. 1, these contacts 1|and 12 are established.

When coil 4| is energized, the armature 48 also causes closing ofanother pair of contacts 13 and 14. Contact 13 is supported upon themember 48, as shown most clearly in Figs. 3 and 4. When the coil 4| isenergized, the contact 13 is brought into engagement with the contact 14mounted on a bracket 15. The contacts 13 and 14 are appropriatelyinsulated from members 48 and 15. With the electromagnet coil 4|energized, the circuit for the primary coil 18 energizing the igniter 4may be traced as follows: from secondary winding 62 of transformer 68,push button 8|, connection 65, primary winding 18, contacts 18 and 14,connection 16, contacts 1| and 12, connection 11, to the lower terminalof the secondary winding 62.

Soon after the pilot burner 8 is lighted by the igniter 4, thethermocouple 88 energizes the coil 26 and the button 6| may be released,de-energizing coil 4| and causing ball 33 to reseat. Under suchcircumstances gas can flow to the pilot burner 3, since'armature I5 isin the energized position of Fig. 6. Gas will fiow from conduit 8,passageways l2, l8, and H, to the conduit I8 and the pilot burner 3.

Contacts 1| and 12 are maintained in closed position until gaseouspressure is developed above a flexible diaphragm 18. This diaphragm 18defines a pressure space or chamber 18 between the diaphragm 18 and thelower surface of the body This chamber or space 18 with the diaphragm 18forms a pressure responsive device to condition the valve 1, so that itmay be opened when heat is desired by the system.

The urging of the diaphragm 18 downwardly by gas pressure in chamber 18makes it possible to open the main burner valve 1. However, since theflow of gas to the space 18 is restrained, in a manner to be hereinafterdescribed, an appreciable time must elapse before this valve 1 may beopened, thereby ensuring that the pilot flame 2 is fully established andthe system in condition to be fully active.

For this purpose use is made of a stationary contact 88 supported on abracket 8| joined to the bottom of a cover member 82. This cover memberhas a flange 83 that overlies the diaphragm 18 and holds it securely inplace.

Contact 88 is appropriately insulated from the bracket 8|. It cooperateswith the movable contact 84 carried by the arm 85 that carries thecontact 12 controlling the energization of the igniter 4. stationarycontact 1| for the igniter circuit is insulatedly supported on a bracket86 attached to the lower side of cover member 82. Of course, contacts 12and 84 are both electrically joined to the arm 85. This arm, in turn, isinsulatedly supported on a pivoted arm 81.

Arm 81 is pivoted by the aid of a pin 88 joining the ears 88 on arm 81and the ears 88 mounted on the lower side of a bracket 8|. This bracketis also mounted on the lower cover member 82. A compression spring 82,extending between the bracket 8| and the lefthand extension of arm 81,urges the arm 81 upwardly to cause engagement between contacts 12 and 1|while the diaphragm 18 is in its uppermost position.

However, when gaseous fuel is admitted to the chamber 18, the diaphragm18 is urged downwardly to the position illustrated in Fig. 6. When thisposition is reached, the arm 81 is in engagement between contacts 84 and88. Motion of the diaphragm is transmitted to the arm 81 by a push rod83 which is guided by the bushing 84. This bushing 84 is appropriatelysupported in cover member 82. The rod 83 is held in place on dia-;phragm 18 by the aid of a wide washer 85 overlying the diaphragm 18 anda nut 86 that is threaded on the rod 88. Rod 83 has a head 81 disposedover a washer 88 above the diaphragm 18. A threaded portion of the rod88 extends through the diaphragm 18. The head 81 serves to limit theupward movement of the diaphragm toward the lower surface of the port Acompression spring 81' below the diaphragm 18 urges the diaphragmupwardly, but it is capable of being compressed to the position shown inFig. 6 when gas pressure is eifective in chamber 18.

In order to supply the chamber 18 with gaseous fuel after the pilotflame 2 is established, use is made of apassageway 88 that extends fromthe space below the diaphragm 53 to the space 18. The gaseous fuel,however, must pass through a restricted opening |88 in a hollow screw|8| threaded into the lower portion of the body ll. Accordingly, thereis a time delay that elapses before the diaphragm 18 is urged downwardlyto the active position of Fig. 6.

With the electromagnet coil 4| deenergized and the stem 58 urgedupwardly by the force of the spring 84, fuel can flow through passageway88 only when the armature I5 is attracted. This position is illustratedin Fig. 6 in which the fuel flow to the chamber 18 is efiected throughpassageways l2, 3| and 88, and the aperture I88. Accordingly, thecontacts 88 and 84 cannot be established until the pilot flame 2 isestablished. In'order to ensure that, in the starting period illustratedin Fig. 5 (the coil 4| being energized) no fuel can pass throughpassageway 88, the ball 38 cooperates with the tapered seat 48 toprevent upward movement of gas through the passageway 8|. This startingposition is illustrated in Fig. 5, the ball 88 being seated andinterrupting the flow of fuel to the chamber 18.

However, as soon as the pilot burner 3 is ignited and the push button 6|released, the coil 4| is de-energizcd and the coil 26 is energized Thisraises the armature |5 to the'position of Fig. 6, and gas can now flowthrough passageways 12, 8|, and 88 to the chamber 18.

Thereupon, the arm 81 is gradually brought to the position of Fig. 6. Inthat position, thevalve 1 may be operated whenever the thermostat I82(Fig. 1) requires more heat. This thermostat may be placed in the spaceto be heated to respond to the existingtemperature. "When the thermostatI82 closes contacts |83,'and the apparatus is in the active position ofFig. 6, the circuit for electromagnetically operating the valve 1 iscompleted through secondary winding 62, contacts I88, valve 1,connection I84, a pilot light I85, back to the upper trminal of thesecondary winding 62.

While the system is active, therefore, the pilot flame 2 being inexistence, this valve 1 may be energized and closed as desired by thesystem. However, should the pilot flame 2 become accidentallyextinguished, the coil 26 is de-ener- 75 sized and the system returns tothe inactive position of Fig. 2. The gaseous fuel exerting pressure inthe chamber 19- is then free to flow from aperture I00, passageway 99,downwardly through port 3i and out through conduit I0, leading to thepilot burner 3. As soon as this chamber 19 is thus vented, the stem 93retracts to the inactive position of Fig. 2 and contacts 89 and 84 areultimately disengaged. Thereafter the thermostat I02 is ineffective toopen the valve Nor can this valve be opened until after it is placed inoperation by operating the igniter 4 and opening the by-pass I2 to thepilot burner.

A substantial delay occurs between the extinguishment of the pilot flame2 and the closing of contacts 1] and 12'. This occurs since it takes anappreciable time for the diaphragm I8 to move to its uppermost positionof Fig. 2.

This time delay is of considerable importance. It delays there-energizing of the ignition circuit after a pilot flame failure, andthereby ensures against igniting the pilot burner until after there isan opportunity for the accumulated unconsumed gas to escape from theburner.

A resume of the operation of the system may now be set forth.

Assuming that the system has been shut down, as illustrated in Fig. l,the flow of gas to the pilot burner is interrupted by the armature I5.The main valve 1 cannot be opened by operation of thermostat I02, sincecontacts 80 and 86 are out of engagement.

Now, when push button BI is operated, the coil H is energized. Thiscauses the ball 33 to be unseated and the ball 39 to be seated. Ball 33opens the by-pass I2 to the pilot burner 3, and ball 39 simultaneouslycloses oif the conduit 39, preventing passage of fuel to the chamber 19.At the same time contacts 13 and 14 are closed, causing energization ofthe igniter 4 through contacts 1I and 12. Shortly after the pilot flame2 is established, coil 28 is energized. The push button SI may now bereleased, de-energizing the coil H which, in turn, causes opening of theimiiter circuit through the contacts 13 and 14. Fuel can now pass slowlythrough by-pass I2, and passageways SI and 99, to the chamber 19. Thepush rod 03 opens contacts H and 12 and after an appreciable timeestablishes contacts 80 and 84. This position is shown in Fig. 6.Thereafter the thermostat I02 can control the opening of valve 1.

Upon flame failure, the electromagnet coil 26 is tie-energized, and theflow of fuel to the pilot burner 3 is interrupted by the closurearmature I5, the chamber 19 is slowly vented through the aperture I30,and the system returns slowly to the inactive position of Figs. 1 and 2.

The pilot light I indicates when the main burner is conditioned foroperation.

A dust-proof cover I05 can be placed over the upper portion of the bodyII, and can be held in place by the aid of the shoulder I01 formed onthis body.

In the form just disclosed, the initiation of operation is efiected byremote control push button SI, which may be placed in any convenientlocation. In the form shown in Figs. '1 to 12, the operation is renderedsimple by the elimination of the electromagnet coil 4L Instead, a resetbutton I03 is utilized to perform the function of the electromagnet"-42-".

The control apparatus I09 of this form includes a body member 110. Thelower surface III of this body defines a pressure chamber II2 with thediaphragm I13. This diaphragm H3 operates a push rod H4 in a mannersimilar to the operation of push rod 93 in the first form. In this casethe push rod II4 carries an insulation extension II5 to contact the arm81 which, as before, carries the contacts 12 and 84. These contactsrespectively cooperate with the contacts II and 80, and are utilized ina similar manner.

The inlet to the body H0 is obtained by the aid of the conduit IIG whichleads, as by passageways III and H8, and chamber I26, to the port II9.From this port gaseous fuel can pass through passage I20 to the outletconduit I2I, supplying gas to the pilot burner 3. The electromagnetstructure I22, similar to the structure of the first form, and having anenergizing coil I23, is mounted above the chamber I24 in communicationwith the passage I I8 and the port I I9. The armature I5 is arranged tobe attracted as in the first form, when the pilot flame 2 is inexistence, for opening the port H9 and thereby to pass fuel to the pilotburner 3.

In the inactive position illustrated in Fig. 3, the port H9 is closedand, therefore, the pilot flame is extinguished. In order to by-pass theport II9, a valve arrangement is provided within the body III). Thisvalve arrangement is operated by the push button I08.

Thus, as shown most clearly in Fig. 9, the passage II8 serves to supporta valve structure that controls the by-pass. This valve structure isenclosed in a valve body I25 threaded into the main body III) and intothe chamber I26.

The valve body I25 is hollow and has a valve seat I21 adapted to beclosed by a ball I28. This ball I28 is urged to its seat bythe aid of acompression spring I23. The left-hand end of this spring I29 is retainedwithin the valve body I25, as by the spring ring I30.

A stem I3I is guided in the inner end of the valve body I25, and isadapted to unseat the ball I28 as shown in Fig. 11. When the ball isunseated, fuel can pass from passage I I8 through the aperture I32 inthe valve body I25, and thence around the ball I28 through the passagesI33 into chamber I26. Thence gas can flow through the passage I20 and tothe pilot burner 2.

The stem I3I is pushed inwardly to the position of Fig. 11 by operationof the push button I08. This push button I08, as shown most clearly inFigs. 9, l1, and 12, may be made of insulating material, and may bethreaded on a stem I36. This stem I36 projects inwardly and terminatesin the large hollow portion I34. This portion I34 is guided in theaperture I35 in the body IIO. A packing is shown for the push button,including a hollow screw I31 threaded into the body H0 and having apacking washer I38. Its lefthand side is seated on a shoulder around theaperture I35. Another packing washer I39 is disposed on the inside ofthe screw I31. Both the washers I38 and I39 closely contact the stemI36.

A compression spring I40, having its left-hand end disposed in screwI31, urges the push button I08 toward the right, to the inactiveposition 11-- lustrated in Fig. 9.

The enlarged portion I34 carries an actuator I4I within the chamber I23.This actuator urges the stem I3I inwardly when the push button is pushedto the left, to the position shown in Fig. 11. In order further to guidethe push button, a guide pin I42 is attached to the actuator MI and isguided in the recess I43 in the body mem ber III).

When the button is pushed inwardly to the winding I6 of the ignitiontransformer 68. For

this purpose the push button I68 carries an insulation arm 4.. This armI44 operates to urge the spring contact arm I45 inwardly. This contactarm carries the contact member I46, co-

operating with the contact I4'I mounted on another spring arm l48. Thesespring arms are insulated from each other and are mounted upon theright-hand wall of the body II6, as seen in Figs. 11 and 12. For thispurpose, insulation blocks and spacers I49 are provided, mounted on thebase I56.

Accordingly, when the push button I66 is actuated, the ignition circuitis completed through the secondary winding 62 of the power transformer63 as follows: from the left-hand terminal of the secondary winding 62,connection I5I, primary winding I6, contacts I46 and I41, connectionI52, contacts II and I2, arm 81, back to the right-hand terminal of thesecondary winding 62.

The push button I68 is kept urged inwardly until the pilot flame 2 isestablished. When this occurs, the electromagnet I22 is energized andclosure member I5 uncovers the port H9. The fuel from the pilot burnercan proceed through passageways H6 and Ill, through port H9 to chamberI26, and thence through passage I26 to conduit I2I.

A gaseous fuel pressure-responsive device is formed, as before, to urgecontact 64 into engagement with contact 86. The chamber N2 of thisdevice is in communication with chamber l26 through a passage I53, shownmost clearly in Figs. 7 and 11. A hollow screw member I56 is threadedinto the body II 6 to communicate with the passageway I53. This screwhas a small opening I59 to retard the flow of gas to and from chamberH2.

Passage I53 has an annular valve seat I55. Normally, the gas finds itsway from chamber I26 to the pressure chamber H2 through the apertureI56. However, when the push button I63 is actuated, this communicationis interrupted by aid of a resilient valve closure I55. This valveclosure is carried on a stem I 51 slidably mounted in the hollowenlarged portion 836. It is urged outwardly of this hollow portion by acompression spring I58. The outer edge of the hollow portion I34 isturned inwardly to restrain the stem I51. However, when the push buttonI68 is operated, the compressed, as shown in Fig. 11, and the passageI53 is closed by the closure member I56. Accordingly, during the periodof ignition, no gas pressure can be exerted in chamber I I2.

The spring fingers I45 and I48 are covered by housing I66 appropriatelyfastened to the body II6. Furthermore, a housing I6I may be provided tocover the contact mechanism disposed below the cover plate I62.

The mode of operation of this form of the invention is substantially thesame as that of the form illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6.

When the system is in the inactive position of Fig. 7, gaseous fuel iscompletely turned off both at the main burner valve 1 and the pilotvalve closure H5. The push button I 66 is inactive, and the circuit forthe igniter 4 is lie-energized at.

contacts I46 and I41. When the push button I68 is urged inwardly, thepasage I 53 is closed by the closure I56 and compression spring I58 is 5the by-pass through the valve body I2! is opened to the pilot burner 3.At the same time, the circuit for the igniter is energized throughcontacts I46, I", 'II, and I2, since the arm 6'! is in the upperposition.

Shortly after the pilot flame 2 is in existence, the electromagnet I22operates and the fuel can be supplied to the pilot burner 3 through portI I9 and the chamber I26. This position is illustrated in Fig. 12. Thepush button I68 can now be released. This opens the passage I53 and gasslowly passes to the chamber II2. First, contacts I2 and II separateand, after an interval, the main burner valve contacts 86 and'84 areengaged. The main burner valve 1 can then be opened whenever thethermostat I65 demands more heat.

Upon accidental failure of the pilot flame 2; the ignition circuitcannot be re-established until after the diaphragm 3 assumes itsuppermost position, as indicated in Fig. 8. Upon this occurring, theignition circuit contacts I2 and II are re-established, and button I68can be operated, The travel of the diaphragm I I3 to the in.- activeposition of 1 6g. 8 is delayed by the slow passage of the fuel as it isvented through the opening I59, chamber I26, the pflot burner 3.

The inventor claims:

1. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, and a pilot burner: means operated by the fluidpressure of the fuel for controlling the main valve; means responsive tothe existence of a pilot flame at the pilot burner for passin fuel tothe pilot burner as well as for passing fuel to said fluidpressure-operated means; and valve means to by-pass fuel to the pilotburner and simultaneously to prevent passage of fuel to the fluidpressure-operated means.

2. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, and a pilot .burner: means operated by the fluidpressure of the fuel for controlling the main valve; means responsive tothe existence of a pilot flame passage I26, through at the pilot burnerfor passing fuel to the pilot burner as well as for passing fuel to saidfluid pressure-operated means; means in the fluid fuel path to the fluidpressure-operated means for reducing the rate of flow to said fluidpressureoperated means; and valve means to by-pass fuel to the pilotburner and simultaneously to prevent passage of fuel to the fluidpressure-operated means.

3. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, fuel supplymeans for the main burner, a valve for the main burner, a pilot burner,fuel supply means for the pilot burner, and an igniter for the pilotburner: means operated by the fluid pressure of the fuel passing to thepilot burner for controlling the main valve; mean operating upon pilotburner flame failure to prevent the passage of fuel to the pilot burner,relieving pressure on said pressure operated means; normally open valvemeans for controlling the passage of fuel to the fluid pressure operatedmeans; and means for energizing the igniter and for operating said valvemeans for preventing passage of fuel to the fluid pressure operatedmeans.

4. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, fuel supplymeans for the main burner, a valve for the main burner, a, pflot burner,fuel supply means for the pilot burner, and an igniter for the pilotburner: means opll erated by the fluid pressure of the fuel passing tothe pilot burner for controlling the main valve; means operating uponpilot burner flame failure to prevent the passage of fuel to the pilotburner,

'relieving pressure on said pressure operated means; normally open valvemeans for controlling the passage of fuel to the fluid pressure operatedmeans; means for energizing the igniter and for operating said valvemeans for preventing passage of fuel to the fluid pressure-operatedmeans; and means in the path of flow of fuel to the fluid pressureoperated means for retarding the rate of flow to said fluid pressureoperated means.

5. In a gaseous fuel control system havin a main burner, a valve for themain burner, a pilot burner, and an igniter for the pilot burner: meansoperated by the fluid pressure of the fuel for controlling the mainvalve; means responsive to the existence of a. pilot flame at the pilotburner for passing fuel to the pilot burner as well as for passing fuelto said fuel pressure operated means; valve means for by-passing fuel tothe pilot burner and simultaneously to prevent passage of fuel to thefluid pressure operated means; and means for energizin the igniter andfor simultaneously operating said valve means.

6. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an igniter for the pilot burner:means operated by the fluid pressure of the fuel for controlling themain valve; means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame at thepilot burner for passing fuel to the pilot burner as well as for passingfuel to said fuel pressure operated means; valve means for by-passingfuel to the pilot burner and simultaneously to prevent passage of fuelto the fluid pressure operated means; means for energizing the igniterand for simultaneously operating said valve means; and means in thefluid fuel path to the fluid pressure operated means for reducing therate of flow to said fluid pressure operated means.

'7. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a. pilot burner, andan igniter for the pilot burner:means operated by the fluid pressure of the fuel for controlling themain valve; means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame at thepilot burner for passing fuel to the pilot burner as well as for passingfuel to said fuel pressure operated means; said pilot burner operatingas a vent for the fuel from the fluid pressure operated means when saidresponsive means interrupts the flow of fuel due to failure of the pilotflame; valve means for by-passing fuel to the pilot burner andsimultaneously to prevent passage of fuel to the fluid pressure operatedmeans; means for energizing the igniter and for simultaneously operatingsaid valve means; means in the fluid fuel path from the fluid pressureoperated means to the pilot burner to reduce the rate of flow from saidfluid pressure'operated means when said responsive means interrupts theflow of fuel.

8. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an igniter for the pilot burner:means operated by the fluid pressure of the fuel for controlling themain valve so that the main valve cannot be opened until the said fluidpressure operated means attains an active position due to exertion offluid pressure thereon; means responsive to the existence of a pilotflame for passing fuel to the fluid pressure normally open valve meansfor controlling the passage of fuel to the fluid pressure means; meansfor energizing the igniter; and means preventing energization of theigniter until the fluid pressure operated means attains a position inwhich the main valve is prevented from opening.

9. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an igniter for the pilot burner:means operated by the fluid pressure of the fuel for controlling themain valve so that the main valve cannot be opened until the said fluidpressure operated means attains an active position due to exert-ion offluid pressure thereon; means responsive to the existence of a pilotflame for passing fuel to the fluid pressure operated means as well asto the pilot burner; normally open valve means for controlling thepassage of fuel to the fluid pressure means; means for energizing theigniter; means preventing energization of the igniter until the fluidpressure operated means attains a position in which the main valve isprevented from opening; and means delaying the return of said fluidpressure operated means to said position upon pilot flame failure.

10. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an igniter for the pilot burner:means operated by the fluid pressure of the fuel for controlling themain valve so that the main valve cannot be opened until the said fluidpressure operated means attains an active position due to exertion offluid pressure thereon; means responsive to the existence of a pilotflame for passing fuel to the fluid pressure operated means as well asto the pilot burner; valve means for by-passing fuel to the pilot burnerand for preventing passage of fuel to the fluid pressure operated means;means for energizing the igniter and for simultaneously operating saidvalve means; and means preventing en- ,ergization of the igniter untilthe fluid pressure operated means attains a position in which the mainvalve is prevented from opening by outward flow of fuel from said fluidpressure operated means through the pilot burner upon pilot flamefailure.

11. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a. pilot burner, and an igniter for the pilot burner;means operated by the fluid pressure of the fuel for controlling themain valve so that the main valve cannot be opened until the said fluidpressure operated means attains an active position due to exertion offluid pressure thereon; means responsive to the existence of a pilotflame for pasing fuel to the fluid pressure operated means as well as tothe pilot burner; valve means for by-pasing fuel to the pilot burner andfor preventing passage of fuel to the fluid pressure operated means;means for energizing the igniter and for simultaneously operating saidvalve means; means preventing energization of the igniter until thefluid pressure operated means attains a position in which the main valveis prevented from opening by outward flow of fuel from said fluidpressure operated means through the pilot burner upon pilot flamefailure; and means delaying the said outward flow of fuel.

12. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner. a pilot burner, and an electrically energized igniterfor the pilot burner: means operated by the exeroperated means as wellas to the pilot burner; "I; tion of pressure by the gaseous fuel forconditioning the main valve so that the main valve may be opened saidpressure operated means having active and inactivepositions; meansresponsive to the existence of a pilot flame for passing fuel to saidgaseous fuel pressure operated means; means for by-passing fuel to thepilot burner and for preventing passage of fuel to said gaseous fuelpressure operated means, said bypassing means having an active and aninactive position. the gaseous fuel pressure operated means being ventedwhen the pilot flame is extinguished through the pilot burner; and acircuit for energizing the igniter, said circuit including two circuitcontrollers, both of which must be active to energize the igniter, oneof the circuit controllers being operated by said by-passing means, andsaid gaseous fuel pressure operated means, when inactive operating theother circuit controller.

13. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an electrically energized igniterfor the pilot burner: means operated by the exertion of pressure by thegaseous fuel for conditioning the main valve so that the main valve maybe opened said pressure operated means having active and inactivepositions; means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame forpassing fuel to said gaseous fuel pressure operated means; means forby-passing fuel to the pilot burner and for preventing passage of fuelto said gaseous fuel pressure operated means, said by-Dassing meanshaving an active and an inactive position, the gaseous fuel pressureoperated means being vented when the pilot flame is extinguished throughthe pilot burner; means for reducing the rate of gaseous fuel flow to orfrom said gaseous fuel pressure operated means; and a circuit forenergizing the igniter, said circuit including two circuit controllers,both of which must be active to energize the igniter, one of the circuitcontrollers being operated by said by-passing means, and said gaseousfuel pressure operated means, when inactive, operating the other circuitcontroller.

14. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an electrically energized igniterfor the pilot burner: means operated by the exertion of pressure by thegaseous fuel for conditioning the main valve so that the main valve maybe opened said pressure operated means having active and inactivepositions; means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame forpassing fuel to said gaseous fuel pressure operated means; electricallyoperated means for by-passing fuel to the pilot burner and forpreventing passage of fuel to said gaseous fuel pressure operated means,said by-passing means having an active and an inactive position, thegaseous fuel pressure operated means being vented when the pilot flameis extinguished through the pilot burner; a remote control switch foroperating said by-passing means; means for retarding the rate of passingfuel to or from the said gaseous fuel pressure operated means; and acircuit for energizing the igniter, said circuit including two circuitcontrollers, both of which must be active to energize the igniter, oneof the circuit controllers being operated by said by-passing means, andsaid gaseous fuel pressure operated means, when inactive, operating theother circuit controler.

15. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an electrically energized igniterfor the pilot burner: means operated by the exertion of pressure by thegaseous fuel for conditioning the main valve so that the main valve maybe opened said pressure operated means having active and inactivepositions; means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame forpassing fuel to said gaseous fuel pressure operated means; electricallyoperated means for by-passing fuel to the pilot burner and forpreventing passage of fuel to said gaseous fuel pressure operated means,said by-passing means having an active and an inactive position, thegaseous fuel pressure operated means being vented when the pilot flameis extinguished through the pilot burner; a remote control switch foroperating said bypassing means; and a circuit for energizing theigniter, said circuit including two circuit controllers, both of whichmust be active to energize the igniter, one of the circuit controllersbeing operated by said by-passing means, and said gaseous fuel pressureoperated means, when in- 7 active, operating the othercircuitcontroller.

16. In a gaseous fuel-control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an electrically energized igniterfor the pilot burner: means operated by the exertion of pressure by thegaseous fuel for conditioning the main valve so that the main valvemay'be opened said pressure operated means having active and inactivepositions; means responsive to the existence of a pilot flame forpassing fuel to said gaseous fuel pressure oper ated means; means forby-passing fuel to the pilot burner and for preventing passage of fuelto said gaseous fuel pressure operated means, said by-passing meanshaving an active and an inactive position, the gaseous fuel pressureoperated means being vented when the pilot flame is extinguished throughthe pilot burner; a push button having a normally inactive position, formechanically operating said lay-passing means; and a circuit forenergizing the igniter, said circuit including two circuit controllers,both of which must be active to energize the igniter, one of the circuitcontrollers being operated by said by-passing means, and said gaseousfuel pressure operated means, when inactive, operating the other circuitcontroller.

17. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an electrically energized igniterfor the pilot burner: means forming alternate passageways for supplyingfuel to the pilot burner; means responsive to the existence of a pilotflame for opening one of the passageways; means dependent upon theopening of said one passageway conditioning the main burner valve sothat it may be opened, said conditioning means having an active and aninactive position; means for initiating operation of the systemincluding means for opening the other passa'geway; and a circuit forenergizing the igniter, said circuit including a pair of circuitcontrollers for jointly controlling the energization of the igniter, oneof the circuit'controllers being operated by the means for opening theother passageway, and the other circuit controller being operated by thesaid conditioning means when said conditioning means is in inactiveposition.

18. In a gaseous fuel control system having a main burner, a valve forthe main burner, a pilot burner, and an electrically energized igniterfor the pilot burner: means forming alternate passageways for supplyingfuel to the pilot burner; means responsive to the existence of a pilotflame for opening one of the passageways; means operated by the pressureof the fuel passing through said one passageway conditioning the mainburner valve so that it may be opened, said conditioning means having anactive and an inactive position; means for initiating operation of thesyslem including means for opening the other passageway; a circuit forenergizing the igniter, said circuit including a pair of circuitcontrollers-for jointly controlling the energization of the igniter, oneof the circuit controllers being operated by the means for opening theother passageway, and the other circuit controller being operated by thesaid conditioning means when said conditioning means is in inactiveposition; and means for reducing the flow of fuel to the said fuelpressure operated means.

19. In a gaseous fuel control system having a:

main burner, a valve for the main burner, a pilot burner, and anelectrically energized igniter for the pilot burner: means formingalternate passageways for supplying fuel to the pilot burner; meansresponsive to the existence of a pilot flame for opening one of thepassageways; means dependent upon the openin of said one passagewayconditionin the main burner 'valve so that it may be opened, saidconditioning the other passageway, and the other circuit con-- trollerbeing operated by the said conditioning means when said conditioningmeans is in inactive position. i

20. In a control apparatus for a gaseous fuel system having a pilotburner: a body having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; there being a pairof conduits between the inlet and the outlet providing alternate fuelpassageways to said pilot burner, as wellas a branch conduit connectedwith each of the pair of conduits; means forming a fluid pressurechamber having a movable wall and connected to the branch conduit; a.valve controllin one of said pair of conduits according to the operatingconditions of said pilot 16 burner; and valve means for interruptingflow to the chamber through the branch conduit and for connecting theother of said pair of conduits with the outlet.

21. In a control apparatus for a gaseous fuel system having a pilotburner: a body having a gas inlet and a. gas outlet; there being a pairof conduits between the inlet and the outlet providing alternate fuelpassageways to said pilot burner, as well as a branch conduit connectedwith each of the pair of conduits; means forming a fluid pressurechamber having a movable wall and connected to the branch conduit; avalve controlling one of said pair of conduits accordin to the operatingconditions of said pilot burner; and valve means for interrupting flowto the chamber through the branch conduit and for connecting the otherof said pair of conduits with the outlet, comprising a valve stemextending through the branch conduit and a. pair of valve closure meansconnected to the stem.

22. In a control apparatus for a gaseous fuel system having a pilotburner: a body having a gas inlet and a gas outlet; there being a pairof conduits between the inlet and the outlet providing alternate fuelpassageways to said pilot burner, as well as a branch conduit connectedwith each of the pair of conduits; means forming a fluid pressurechamber having a movable wall and connected to the branch conduit; avalve controllin one of said pair of conduits according to the operatingconditions of said pilot burner; and valve means for interrupting flowto the chamber through the branch conduit and for connecting the otherof said pair of conduits with the outlet, comprising a push buttonhaving means urging the push button to inactive position, a valveclosure for interrupting flow of gas to the chamber and carried by thebutton, and valve means in the other of said conduits and operated toopen position by the push button.

" WILLIAM A. RAY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,273,127 McGoldrick et al. Feb.17, 1942 2,305,242 English Dec. 15, 1942 2,407,438 Newman Sept. 10, 19462,408,673 Moorhead Oct. 1, 1946

